Sycamore head coach Taylor McCullough believes Waddell signing before the season will benefit his performance this season.

“I’m ecstatic for him,” McCullough said. “I love it. He knew it was where he wanted to go and now it’s not weighing over him during the season. He’ll be the hardest piece I’ve ever had to replace.”

Located in Gallatin, Welch College officially begins fielding men and women’s soccer teams for the first time in the 2018-19 season.

“It’s pretty awesome to know I can be on the first team at Welch,” Waddell said. “I don’t know how good we’ll be, but it doesn’t matter. For me to play collegiate soccer in Welch’s first year is amazing.”

While Waddell is ready for the academic challenges college presents, he isn’t so sure about the dynamics of playing for a brand-new team.

“I know it’s going to be a challenge,” Waddell said. “The college game is different and with us being a new team hopefully we’ll have enough chemistry to start winning games.”

Welch College will be coached by Jon Wilson.

Reach Andrew Preston at APreston@tennessean.com or 615-259-8015 and on Twitter @AndrewPreston33